The Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA) has suspended eight staff members after uncovering serious irregularities in the registration of controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s security company, Cat Protection and Security.

PSIRA spokesperson Bonang Kleinbooi said a preliminary investigation revealed improper conduct, procedural lapses, and systemic weaknesses in internal control mechanisms, including failures in document verification, oversight, and ethical compliance.

“In light of these findings, and under the direction of the Minister of Police, the Authority has initiated several operational measures,” Kleinbooi said.

The measures include the immediate implementation of consequence management processes against the implicated staff members, pending disciplinary and criminal investigations. 

PSIRA has also initiated a legal review of the registrations of Cat Protection and Security (Pty) Ltd and its director, Matlala.

An independent forensic firm will be appointed to conduct a full investigation into the registration of the implicated company and individuals.

Additional measures include an immediate legal review of all approved registrations of individuals with criminal records. 

The authority will also review its Code of Conduct for staff members to align disciplinary consequences with acts of omission, negligence, or collusion in breach of the PSIRA Act.

Matlala in custody on attempted murder, money laundering charges

Alleged criminal mastermind Matlala, 49, is in custody facing charges of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and money laundering.

Matlala, a businessman, and his four co-accused, Musa Kekana, Tiego Floyd Mabusela, Matlala’s wife Tsakani Matlala, and Mabusela’s daughter Nthabiseng Nzama, are facing charges related to the alleged attempted murder of his former girlfriend.

The charges stem from the 2023 shooting of actress and socialite Tebogo Thobejane on the N1 highway near Sandton. 

Thobejane, known for her role in Muvhango, was shot in the foot during the incident. A female passenger in the vehicle suffered a severe spinal injury and has since been left paralysed.

Crime Intelligence boss Lieutenant General Dumisani Khumalo has recently testified before the Madlanga Commission, where he alleged that Matlala is a member of a drug cartel called the “Big Five.”

The commission is investigating serious allegations of criminality and political interference in the criminal justice system.

PSIRA CEO Manabela Chauke said the authority remains committed to transparency, accountability, and restoring public trust.

“These actions are a clear signal that irregular conduct will not be tolerated within PSIRA,” Chauke said. 

“We will rebuild our systems to ensure that no individual can compromise the security and safety of our nation through regulatory loopholes.”

Chauke assured the public that existing security service providers and officers in good standing remain unaffected and that PSIRA’s registration and enforcement operations continue under enhanced supervision.

Meanwhile, Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia expressed full support for the suspension of the eight officials following the preliminary investigation.

Cachalia emphasised that the actions taken were not punitive but corrective, aimed at strengthening trust, transparency, and effectiveness within South Africa’s private security regulatory system.

“The private security industry plays a vital role in public safety and national security. Any lapse in integrity within its regulation endangers public trust and the credibility of the state,” Cachalia said. 

“The steps we are taking will ensure that PSIRA operates with integrity, transparency, and professionalism.”

simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za

IOL News

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